Academy Of Ballet

My favorite days of the week were the days I came to the Academy. The classes are fun and the teachers will make you laugh. You will enjoy the class, rather than tolerate it (like some other programs in the city…) and you will learn a lot about ballet, the technique and the details that make it such a beautiful art form. They offer many levels and have the best adult program. You will make friends and meet tons of wonderful people– including the fantastical teachers Zory, Josh and Elizabeth. Each one has their own style and complement each other perfectly. And don’t forget Magnolia, she’s the poised pretty one who will greet you with a smile at the front desk every time. This is the place I miss the most since moving away to southern california. Thanks for everything Academy, I love you!

I love this place! I started out with zero ballet experience and have been coming for a year now. I think this is the best place for starters in the city because it focuses on strength and technique and starts slowly. Ballet is not something you can jump into easily without a good foundation. This academy really helps you set that foundation rather than just awe you with fancy moves that you aren’t ready for. I will keep coming as long as I can– other schools are bad in comparison.

I’ve been going to this ballet studio for 3+ years now and it’s my home away from home. I love the teachers (Zory, Josh, Elizabeth) — They’re all amazing, fun, and unique in their own ways, each with a different teaching style. Having started as an adult with zero knowledge about ballet, it’s kind of crazy to see how much I’ve grown and learned, which is great, because you never stop learning here. Classes are extremely affordable, and the friends I’ve made here couldn’t be replaced. I love Academy of Ballet!

I’m in love with this studio.
My background in ballet is pretty sparse. I got kicked out of a class when I was three for being disruptive (I got bored easily and found my calling ultimately in figure skating) and took a 9 month class at ODC last year.
I thought that class was alright, but having spent the last month getting schooled in the New Adult Beginning class at the Academy, man, do I know better now.
ODC offers a good class for the recreational adult ballet enthusiast who needs or wants to go at a very gradual pace. It met once a week for 90 minutes when I attended. SF Academy of Ballet, on the other hand, approaches their adult students in a way similar to how they treat younger students, hoping to one day dance professionally — there are 8 full levels (New Adult Beginning being the pre-​level before Adult Beginning I and II, and then Adult I through V). It meets twice a week at a convenient evening time slot for a total of two hours of training a week.
And it’s great. Everything from the atmosphere to the instructors to the students themselves is inspiring. With a location in the Castro, the Academy is really easy to get to on public transport (I mostly come straight from work and get off at MUNI’s Church Street station, or walk over from home, depending). It provides a small locker/​shower/​bathroom for the men (not sure about the women’s as I’ve never been in it) and two studios on the second floor of a building located not far from Church and Market. Bring your own water, as there’s no drinking fountain. I’d also advise to dress lightly, both for ease of movement and because the studio can get really stuffy quickly with 30ish students in the class.
I’ve only had instruction so far from Richard Gibson, but the guy’s brilliant. He’s able to keep the class entertaining, while providing feedback in a constructive way by offering individual corrections, as well as examples with one student, for the entire class. I’ve had the chance to speak to him outside of the studio as he’s a patron of my gym, and he’s also pretty well-​versed on players in the world of figure skating. We had a nice chat in the locker room after our respective workouts (he actually approached me to verify I was in his ballet class, not the other way around) and has said a lot of my form issues make more sense to him now that he knows my athletic background, which he’ll work to correct during class. Very cool.
As far as I can tell, the Academy is also trans friendly, with instructors and staff using my preferred name and having no issue with me changing in the mens room. They’re very friendly overall. The Adult V class meets after mine, and I’ve had the opportunity to see the abilities of students who stick it out until the very highest level of instruction. They’re essentially at auditioning level for professional dance companies. It’s really awesome how seriously they treat their adult students (without the demeaning criticism to go along with it!).
New Adult Beginning is an 8 week course that is offered a few times a year, from what I understand, and it caters to adults of all beginning abilities. If you’ve ever wanted to give dance a chance but just haven’t found the right studio yet, consider trying out the Academy. I’m having a total blast, and I expect you will too.

I was 26 years old, had no prior dance experience whatsoever, and I took the new beginner adult classes for 1 year. I had to quit due to school/​job and finances, but I LOVED it and I know I will someday return! Here’s why:
— The instructors are incredible – they are passionate about ballet (duh), kind, patient, funny, and incredibly enthusiastic about the class. You feel like a real student and they take their curriculum seriously. The first few classes were instructed by the *original gangsta*, Richard Gibson. He’s an old guy but trust me, he can still move and he’s got serious presence. He eases you into the structure of the classes and basic movements, and then from there, Zory (co-​director of the school) and Josh (a disciple of Richard and Zory) took over teaching the rest of the classes. Zory and Josh have different teaching styles, but they are both equally effective and hilarious. Yes, you will get plenty of corrections, the occasional lighthearted teasing, and unexpected hypothetical questions – it’s all in good fun and you will be surrounded by many people who are just as lost or nervous as you are. After a while, you start to secretly relish getting «called out» on something, because you’ll feel stoked to be partaking in a physical art form, with beautiful classical piano music. Like, «Hey… I’m no Black Swan but shit, I’m doing this, for realsies! Using these fancy sounding French words and everything!» Again, you feel like you are a real student where your growth and learning is valued. It’s like taking yoga from a real «yogi» who’s devoted their entire life to it, not from a «Heather, who studied yoga for two years at Muncee Community College.»
— The students and general classroom vibe was great – my class was astoundingly diverse in just about every way possible. Age, shape, athletic ability, gender, you name it. And they were all super cool, down-​to-​earth, nice people. It was NOT a snooty Lululemon princess show by any means. (Although I will shamefully admit I did wear Lululemon pants to class. Wearing those pants is like getting a pay advance on what will soon become your incredible ass after taking this class.) There were people in gym/​yoga wear and some in straight up leotards and tights, letting it all hang out – it’s all good. I am a very self-​conscious person by nature, and I was surprised at how I never once felt judged about my body or how goofy I must have looked doing a «ronde jambe». Basically no one will give a shit what your body looks like or what you wear, as long as it’s not too baggy (instructors need to see your body for proper alignment, posture, etc.) or constrictive. Also, save your leg warmers for your Halloween costume. It gets HOT in there. Also, don’t be late and don’t get too chatty with your neighbors. :)
— The results after a year for me included better posture, core strength, more toned legs, and a crazy appreciation of ballet and dance in general. I didn’t lose a ton of weight or get super skinny or anything because I didn’t watch my diet too much, but I did feel stronger. I would think if you ate right and took these classes on a regular basis, you would probably see some serious results.
— They start these new adult beginning classes like a couple times a year (posted on their website). If you have no prior experience in ballet, this is a great place to start!

As many adults I have been doing ballet class as a kid, from 6 to 15 then nothing.
When i move to SF, doing more exercises was part of the plan so I committed to 2 classes per week at the Academy, The first day I came I have been greeted by a kind lady, I wanted to register to the beginners class as so many years have passed between my last lesson and today. The class was full so I was sent to Adult III. and it seems ok for me, improving quite well.
My teachers are Elizabeth and Josh. I write this review because I really want to pay a little tribute to both of them. They are professional, passionate, educational and fun.
Josh is so great, really energetic and full of passion, you can come here in a bad mood but he immediately reminds you how much you love to dance. He has a perfect sense of humour while maintaining the focus and the will to improve. We all like him a lot. Elizabeth is also an amazing teacher, patient, a stronge sense to detail and quality.
Academy of Ballet, merciiiii !!

I had my first class here last night, and I really enjoyed it!
I called and spoke with someone the day before the class, and explained to them that I have about a decade of ballet training under my belt. However, it’s also been about a decade since I’ve done any ballet at all. So while I’m not a beginner, I am also definitely not at the level I used to be at when I was dancing regularly.
The lady I spoke with suggested I try the Adult III class for size, and said if I felt uncomfortable or like I couldn’t keep up, I was welcome to try the Adult II class. I went for Adult III… and while I was definitely a bit rusty, I think after a couple more classes I’ll have the hang of things again.
No doubt about it, I was a little nervous going into it… getting back into ballet as an adult, with a different physique and flexibility than I had as a rail-​thin teenager, is a bit daunting. However the teacher (his name was Zory), was great. He kept a sense of humor about everything, which eases the nerves a lot. There were people of all age groups in the class, and not a snooty ballerina ‘tude anywhere to be found!
I will definitely be back for more. Everyone here was very nice and I was impressed with the amount of adult classes and levels that are offered — much more than other adult programs I’ve looked at.

I took classes here for 7 years with Richard, Zory & Elizabeth. I started at the very beginning and went through the adult levels I, II & III. I loved every class and appreciated all they taught me. They each have distinct styles and personalities and are incredibly skilled and professional teachers. They do an amazing job working both with commoners such as myself as well as the most talented soon-​to-​be professionals who inspire us. The live piano made each class extra special.
If you are thinking about trying an adult ballet class, The Academy of Ballet is truly wonderful. They welcome all levels, treat you with dignity and respect regardless of age or body type, and push you to be your personal best. You’ll thrive.

I was simply trying to be a good friend to my roommate when I agreed to sign up for the New Adult Beginning Ballet class here for two months. Two months being the minimum requirement for initial sign-​up – and two months not seeming like too much of a commitment for a girl who wasn’t terribly coordinated and didn’t really like getting much exercise. It was only supposed to be two months.
Well, I’ve been taking classes here for *two years* straight now. And going, I might add. (I just had my first Adult III class last night.) It’s really due to the wonderful teachers here that I’ve lasted, no, thrived for this long. My arms are toned, my confidence is higher, and by golly, on a good day, I can even do a pirouette!
Classes at the Academy of Ballet are a lot of fun. I really like spending time with my classmates and teachers, and honestly, I think my body appreciates all the work I put it through. Twice a week, the outside world just melts away as I attempt to look graceful and laugh with delight when I actually get a complicated move right. (Or plain just laugh at myself when my body won’t do what I tell it to do. But laughing in general is good for the soul, so it’s a win-​win situation.)
As an aside, I love the corrections Zory (one of the teachers here) gives in class because these sayings apply to real life so well. Here’s a sample of wisdom from Zory Sensei:
«Never let anyone push you around.»
You can only move quickly if you let go.”
«If you don’t look up, it’s all over.»
«Breathe.»
Simple but effective, right? And more importantly, fun. Why do I keep taking classes here? Because the joy I feel is unlike anything else. If you’re curious (or even nervous) about trying out ballet, I highly recommend Academy of Ballet. It’s really changed my life for the better. You just never know what two months can do for you. ;)

I love this school! I have been taking classes here on and off for 15 years. The teachers are extremely talented and involved. They really pay attention to each students technique and always offer helpful corrections. I also always look forward to seeing Sally’s smiling face at the front desk when I walk in.

This is an excellent studio with super quality instruction and an incredibly warm and caring staff. I couldn’t disagree more with the reviewer who had a negative experience regarding her placement at the appropriate level in the appropriate program; it sounds like an unfortunate misunderstanding, and I’m sorry it happened to her, but the AofB staff has never been anything but helpful, friendly, and professional during the years (off and on) that I’ve attended class here.
I do agree that the adult classes tend to go a bit slower (in the sense that they don’t introduce a ton of steps at the lower levels) than at other studios, but the emphasis on proper technique makes up for that, in my opinion. I’ve danced elsewhere, so I have a pretty thorough knowledge of ballet steps; when I dance here, I gain new insight on how to execute the steps correctly, and that’s invaluable.

Ok, no. Came back here and the staff was nasty. They’re liars, too.
Basically, because their adult program isn’t very challenging (only 2 classes per week of their highest level which is a low-​intermediate, no pointe, etc.) I inquired about taking the pre-​professional classes. I was told by one of the teachers that I would easily be at the second highest (aka one level down from highest) level in that program. I was told by the front desk woman to come in on the weekend and take a placement test to see if I could do the summer session (since I had zero interest in their adult classes). Now, I haven’t danced seriously in a while, and I would have understood if they had said I simply wasn’t good enough to join their program. But the teacher said I was currently at the second from highest level in their pre-​pro classes, and that the adult class I took was roughly the same level as the pre-​pro level I would be taking a placement for so that I would fit right in. I was happy with that, and looked forward to my placement class.
I came in the next day for an adult class and was told by the front desk lady that actually even though she hadn’t talked to the directors of the school about my taking a placement class, I shouldn’t bother coming to it, and should just do the fall program instead. See, the day before, her and the teacher (her son) had a disagreement– the teacher thought that since the summer was half over, I shouldn’t bother (he said it wouldn’t bother them if I came in halfway, but that it would bother me– newsflash: it wouldn’t bother me.). The front desk lady said it would be fine for me to come in halfway and that I really should take a placement with the director. The next day when I came back, she’d obviously been «talked to» by her son (the teacher mentioned above) and decided to go back on what she said (without ever asking the directors about it… the ones who actually decide) and changed her tune to that of her son’s. So now I had no scheduled placement class and had been taking these ridiculous beginning adult classes for nothing (I’d been coming to those open classes to familiarize myself with the teaching styles of the studio).
I was ready to give up on the school when my mom asked if she could go talk to them for me– thinking maybe they thought I sucked and didn’t want to tell me to my face. I let her go, they were apparently rude to her, telling her that I had lied about the front desk lady saying I couldn’t take a placement test, and then saying they wouldn’t speak to her anymore, just me. HELLO? My mother is PAYING for my dance classes, she has a right to talk to my potential teachers, especially if they’re lying to my face about what I can and cannot expect from their program! No school should treat a parent that way, it’s disrespectful. They’re the ones paying in many cases!
Anyhow, they called me a liar, were rude to my mom, and kept switching their story on me. My theory is they were just trying to get me to take their poor excuse for an «adult program» (2 classes per week at the highest level) and had no intention of letting me try out for their more serious program, but even if they did offer me the classes now, I wouldn’t take them. I hate liars, and I hate people who disrespect my parents– especially when they’re the ones paying for my dance classes.
Learn some respect and learn to be truthful to your prospective students. I’m not looking for a beginning adult class, so there’s no reason trying to sell me one. If you don’t have a class that’s right for me, send me elsewhere, that’s what I ended up doing anyway. I wasn’t expecting to get into their summer program since I just got back to dancing regularly after a long break and look pretty damn sloppy, but if they agreed that I wasn’t ready for it then they should have said so after my first class with the teacher (front desk lady’s son), rather than tell me I was easily at the correct level already (sad if that’s true because these girls have presumably been training for years without stopping and I’ve been on a rather long break) and then take back the offer to have me take a placement class because they thought I would be inconvenienced by coming into the term midway.
I’d rather have a teacher be honest with me. Don’t expect honesty from these people.

This is the best dance studio in San Francisco. The teachers are truly amazing. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Classes are thoughtfully planned, interesting and fun. The instructors are always watching so they can provide guidance on how to improve.
If you are trying to figure out where to take classes or where to send your child, you should come here first. They have 6 levels of well-​attended adult classes from beginning to advanced. I don’t have first hand experience with their youth program, but if I had children, I have no doubt that this is where I would send them. Being in a positive environment where you receive excellent instruction is priceless.

I just started taking class here, and I’m in love.
I’ve done ballet pretty much my whole life, but haven’t taken class regularly for the last few years. Since moving to SF, I’ve been looking for a studio with an adult program that would help me ease back into it, while still providing enough of a challenge for someone who knows how to do ballet. Academy of Ballet is the perfect fit.
For anyone looking to get back into ballet after some time off, or hoping to get involved for the first time, I highly recommend checking out this studio.

I can’t even remember how many dance studios I’ve taken class with over the years, probably around 10 or more; something about the feel of the floor beneath your feet, the sound of classical music on the piano, and the hushed whispers of students outside of studio makes it always feel a little like home! For about 5 years I was desperately missing some part of my being and it wasn’t until I stepped through the doors of the Academy of Ballet, two years ago, that I realized what it was — dance!
There is a shared belief amongst all of the students that I have the privilege of taking class with, that of their «love of dance», whether they started as children or have only been taking class for the past few years… one thing is certain, everyone wants to learn and be there! I have never been to a school where they care about their adult students just as much as their adolescent ones, you never feel like a money sign here!
Twice a week, for one and a quarter hours, you will find a group of no less than 20 adult students happily taking Adult Ballet III with either Zory Karah or Elizabeth Gravelle. Both instructors lead a full curriculum entailed class, including barre, center, and across the floor exercises. The classes are always high energy and difficult, yet most come out with a smile on their face and heart for accomplishing another feat, previously thought unattainable! You cannot help but feel the passion that surrounds the instructors, which they only want to develop in their students!
The school itself consists of two studios, one incredibly large and the other half its size, two changing rooms, restrooms, and a small waiting area. I always layer, as it is either very cold or very warm (a reason why you really need to bring a water bottle to class as well!) The location is amazing as it’s right above the Church Street Muni station, across the road from the J and N lines, and along Market (making it easy to drive to). Unlike other studios in San Francisco, I have never felt anything but safe in this particular neighborhood, no matter what time I arrive or leave! I chose to partake in their tuition program, which means for 10 months I commit to paying $ 104 a month for taking a twice weekly class, but you can also drop into some of their classes for $ 14. For a little over a $ 100 a month I exercise my body and my mind, I can’t think of anything else that I would rather do!

I love this studio! It has the best adult program in the City. The curriculum (because there IS a curriculum, even for adults) is very thoughtfully put together by Richard, who has been teaching for over 50 years. All of the teachers follow the curriculum so you don’t have to worry about inconsistencies between classes. Of course, the different teachers each have their own teaching styles, but they are all wonderful and compliment each other nicely. Zory is all about getting you to dance, to feel the nuances in the music and express feelings. Elizabeth gives very helpful corrections, focusing on body weight placement and the specific muscles you need to fix. Richard is all about the details, musicality and funny (yet surprisingly helpful) metaphors. (I have only taken a couple of classes with Mary Ellen so I can’t really speak to her teaching style.)
All of the classes have live accompaniment, which is definitely a treat. Each semester they have a new beginners adult class so if you are new to ballet, it’s a great place to start. But my favorite part is that they offer pointe classes for adults! (Amazing, right?) Whether you have done pointe before or you just want to start, Elizabeth is there for you. (Don’t try to look for the adult pointe schedule on their website, they don’t publish or advertise it, for some reason.) You have to sign up to take at least 2 adult technique classes per week (which makes sense in terms of building and maintaining your strength) and, as long as Elizabeth okays it, off you go on your tippy toes!
They also have a great program for kids, teenagers and aspiring professional dancers. You just have to watch them in the adult classes, or attend one of the performances, to see that they are working hard and being trained by some of the best teachers around.

This place is the kind of Ballet studio you wish there was one of in each city at least. A top notch studio with high standards. Richard was/​is an awesome instructor.

I pretty much grew up in dance studios, but it has been a long time since those days. I now have a completely different body — 15 years older, 15 pounds heavier, and dealing with the aftermath of a lot of old injuries (not pretty). So, I have to admit I was nervous when I started taking classes here.
The Academy of Ballet is top notch. I have taken class with each of their instructors, and there is not a bad one in the bunch. My class has two teachers — Zory and Mary Ellen — and it’s really helpful having different perspectives. Sally at the desk is awesome, too.
Three pieces of advice for newbies: One, it is always really hot in there, so dress accordingly. Two, they don’t have a water fountain so bring a bottle. And three, quit thinking about going and GO already. You won’t regret it.

This place rocks! I love all of the teachers — especially Zory!
The adults are trained as though they are serious dancers rather than $ 12 per head (or $ 11 if you pay for a month’s classes at once).
From the first time I stepped in their door I felt like a part of the family. I was nervous as an adult beginner, but I soon found the classes exhilarating, fun and very informative.
For anyone who has been thinking of trying an adult class, or enrolling their children, you must go here first!
Also of note: they have recitals for the children and their company, Chamber Dance.

If you are longing to not so much relive as revisit your dancing youth, this is the place to go. Two words: live accompaniment… frigging great pianists. The instructors are accomplished professionals and are tuned into the needs of individual students and give correction gently but effectively – you can actually advance your technique in an adult recreational class. Plus, nary a cane is tapped and no one cares if you are a little squishier than the average ballerina.